Season 8, Episode 5 of the Forever Marriage Podcast dives into the powerful (and often overlooked) call to minimize provocation in our homes. Rooted in Ephesians 6:4 and Colossians 3:21, this conversation unpacks how easily frustration, unrealistic expectations, and constant correction can discourage the hearts of our children.

Through honest reflection questions and real-life insight, this episode invites you to consider: Were your parents hard to please? Did they push you to your limits—and what impact did that have? More importantly, are you unintentionally doing the same to your own children?

In this episode of the Forever Marriage Podcast, we explore the power of creating a culture of honor within your home. We discuss what it truly means to address family members with honor—and why the atmosphere we cultivate in our homes begins with how we see one another. 

When we recognize our spouses and children as creations of God, image bearers of God, and even children of God through Christ, it transforms the way we speak, respond, and interact. 

After listening to today's episode, consider asking your spouse this question:
“What’s it like living with me?” And then prayerfully consider what changes need to be made in order to create more of a culture of honor in your home. 

When you look back over your life, you can probably trace it to a handful of defining moments — decisions that quietly but powerfully shaped your entire story. In this episode, we unpack The Power of Right Decisions and how small, seemingly insignificant choices can radically alter the trajectory of a life and a marriage.

Through personal stories and Scripture, we’re reminded that faithfulness in little things matters, wise decisions shape our future, and obedience is our responsibility — the results belong to the Lord.

In Season 8, Episode 2 of the Forever Marriage Podcast, we continue our FAMILY series by digging deeper into the “F” — Focus on Doing What’s Right.

How do we determine what is truly right and good? In this episode, we share four biblical questions to help guide your decisions:

• Does this bring glory to God?
• Will this cause someone to stumble?
• Would Jesus have done this?
• Will I be content with the consequences?

These simple but powerful questions can shape the way we lead our marriages, families, and everyday choices.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Savannah, GA's WSAV Cap'n Sandy
• WWJD bracelets following the 1896 novel In His Steps: What Would Jesus Do?
  by Charles Sheldon

We’re kicking off Season 8 of the Forever Marriage Podcast with a brand-new focus: FAMILY. This season, Scott’s signature acrostic is back, and each episode will unpack one letter with a practical, faith-centered lens for our homes.

In this first episode, we begin with F — Focus on Doing What Is Right. What does “doing what is right” actually look like in everyday family life? How do we discern what is right, and how should we respond when someone in the family has been wronged?

Join us as we lay a strong foundation for building healthy, God-honoring families.

Season 7, Episode 11 marks the final episode in our parenting series, and we’re joined once again by Tyler and Catie Smiley as they share more of the particulars of their adoption journey. In this concluding conversation, Tyler and Catie reflect on the season of waiting and the lessons God taught them along the way—lessons about obedience, learning not to miss what is right in front of you, and choosing to walk by faith rather than by sight. Their story is an encouragement for anyone navigating uncertainty while trusting God’s timing and purposes.

In Season 7, Episode 10 of the Forever Marriage Podcast, we continue our parenting series with Tyler and Catie Smiley as they share more of their adoption journey. This episode dives into the ins and outs of the adoption process—the waiting, the praying, and the discernment required along the way. Tyler and Catie also reflect on the challenges and blessings of the waiting process that come with the journey, and how adoption has shaped not only their marriage but also their three boys.

In this episode of our parenting series, we sit down with Dr. Tyler and Catie Smiley. Tyler, senior pastor at Lakewood, and Catie share their story as a couple—how they met, how God brought them together, and the journey that led them into family life and ministry. They open up about raising their three boys and also share the beautiful story of how they recently welcomed a little girl into their family through adoption. This conversation is both honest and encouraging, offering a glimpse into the joys, challenges, and faith that shape the Smiley family.

In this episode of our parenting series, we continue our conversation with Jamie and Joy Willis as they reflect on what they would do differently. As parents of three girls, the Willises share honest insights from their own journey—times they were a little too protective, moments they stepped in too quickly, and the ways they wish they had allowed more freedom for their girls to explore, play hard, and learn through experience.

Mentioned in this episode:

• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
• Parent Resources page at Lakewood
• Until the Streetlights Come On by Ginny Yurich

In Season 7 Episode 7, we’re continuing our parenting series with Jamie and Joy Willis, who join us to share what went well in their parenting journey. They talk about the importance of intentional family discipleship — reminding us that while church attendance is vital, parents hold the primary responsibility for discipling their children. Jamie and Joy also open up about how they’ve prioritized family time through regular dinners and meaningful vacations together.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Habits of the Household by Justin Whitmel Earley

In Season 7 Episode 6, we continue our conversation with Scott and Molly Legg about their parenting journey. We specifically talk about what they wish they would have done differently. One of the things they mention is wishing they would have done an overseas mission trip together as a family. They also talk about how it would have been helpful to do a bit more financial training with their children prior to college. 

Mentioned in this episode:

• Fonzie from Happy Days attempting to say "I was wrong."